Despite being tipped for relegation by many, Oxford United have made a steady start to life back in the Championship.
The U’s returned to the second tier for the first time in 25 years following their playoff final victory over Bolton, and sit ninth in the table ahead of the international break.
Oxford United Make Steady Return to the Championship
Opening Day Victory
A sold out Grenoble Road awaited Oxford’s first match of the season with the visit of Norwich City.
The U’s ran out 2-0 winners against the Canaries thanks to goals in each half from Mark Harris and Cameron Brannagan.
It wasn’t just the scoreline that impressed supporters, but the display from Des Buckingham’s side showed that they are more than capable of competing at this level.
Away Day Blues
Oxford’s first away day of the season came against Coventry City – a side many had tipped for promotion come May.
Despite the Sky Blues being the better side, the U’s came from behind twice in the match and looked to come away from the Ricoh Arena with a well earned point.
However, summer signing Will Vaulks made an uncharacteristic mistake when his back pass deep into stoppage time allowed Haji Wright the opportunity to round goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and net the winner.
The U’s were on the end of another late blow next time around when they travelled to Ewood Park.
Harris opened the scoring just minutes before half time with an audacious 35 yard volley but Blackburn levelled immediately to take the match into the break all square.
There was just seven minutes remaining on the clock when Rovers netted the winner, but despite coming away from successive trips, there was promising aspects from both displays.
Fortress Grenoble Road
In order to stay competitive at this level, it’s clear that Oxford will need to make their home ground a fortress this season.
In just their second home match of the campaign, the U’s maintained their winning record after coming from behind against Preston.
North End took the lead inside three minutes and squandered several chances before Buckingham tweaked his tactics.
The move worked and with their first attempt on goal, Harris found an equaliser before Tyler Goodrham curled home a worldie just after the break.
The visitors went down to ten men later on in the second half before Greg Leigh added a third from the resulting free kick.
So far, so good, for Oxford United back in the Championship.